Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix

The Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Keeshond and the Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Keeshond is known for being obedient, agile, and bright. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Keeshond or the Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Keeshond History

The Keeshond has a few nicknames, the Dutch Barge Dog, the Smiling Dutchman, the German Spitz, and the Wolfspitz. This is an older breed of dog. During the 1600’s and 1700’s it was a companion and watchdog for people on the boats going along the Rhine River. It has quite the history. Throughout some political unrest in Holland it was a symbol of the Rebel Party and it quickly became popular among ordinary people. When this party was overthrown many dogs were destroyed but it did manage to hold on. Around the year 1920 interest in the breed picked back up and it migrated away from just being on barges and such. It became a recognized breed with the American Kennel Club in 1930.

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie History

The Shetland Sheepdog also goes by the names Shetland Collie, Dwarf Scotch Shepherd, and of course the Sheltie. This cool dog comes from the Shetland Islands which are between Scotland and Norway. This is also where Shetland Ponies and Sheep originated. They were created by crossing the Border Collie with other smaller dogs. They are of course a herding dog and were bred to herd and protect sheep. It made its way to England and Scotland in the 19th century. Unfortunately, they started being bred with other breeds and it really started to taint what they had started as. Today, most Shelties here in the United States have descended from dogs that were imported from England between the two major World Wars. Today there are not a lot of these dogs on their native Shetland Islands.

Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix Size and Weight

Keeshond
Height: 17 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 31 - 40 lb.
Lifespan: 13 - 15 years

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie
Height: 13 - 16 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 14 - 27 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 13 years

Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix Personality

The Keeshond and the Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Keeshond mixed with the Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie might be prone to joint dysplasia, epilepsy, luxating patellas, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Keeshond Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in